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The Right Way to Prevent STIs

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Anyone who engages in sexual activity risks contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). How do you prevent it? What measures should you take?

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Raveendran S R

Published At September 12, 2022
Reviewed AtMarch 17, 2023

What Are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

STIs, commonly known as sexually transmitted infections, are ubiquitous. Every year, millions of new illnesses occur. STIs are transferred by vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse. They can also be spread through close physical contact. However, this is rare. STIs do not usually induce symptoms, and others only cause minor ones. It is easy to get infected without realizing it. That is why, if you are having sex, you should get an STI test. If one has been diagnosed with an STI, remember that almost all of them can be treated with medication, and some can even be completely cured. Therefore, STIs can be avoided by following the necessary precautions.

What Kinds of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Are There?

The causal microorganisms of sexually transmitted diseases or infections are categorized as follows:

  • Bacterial Infection -

    • Syphilis.

    • Gonococcal.

    • Venereal Chlamydial or Lymphogranuloma (LGV).

    • Chancroid.

    • Bacteria caused vaginosis.

    • Donovanosis.

  • Fungal Infection -

  • Protozoal Infection -

    • Trichomoniasis.

  • Parasitic Infection -

  • Viral Infection -

    • Human papillomavirus (HPV).

    • Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

    • Hepatitis B.

    • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

When It Comes to Sexually Transmitted Infections, How Do They Spread?

Sexually transmitted infections are spread in a variety of ways. Depending on the condition, they can disseminate through body fluids such as blood, saliva, sperm, vaginal secretions, or direct skin-to-skin contact. This is most common during sexual contact. On the other hand, pregnant women can spread STIs through vertical transmission or breast milk.

Who Is at the Potential Risk of Becoming Infected With a Sexually Transmitted Infection?

A lot of variables influence your chances of developing an STI, including:

  • What kind of sex do you have? (manual, anal, vaginal, oral)

  • What is the number of partners you have?

  • What kinds of encounters have you had?

  • Whether you use safer sex or not.

  • How often do you use external or internal barriers?

  • If you employ barriers for intercourse and also use them for oral sex.

  • If you use lubricants, what kind do you use them? (some, for example, can degrade external latex condoms).

  • Whether or if your spouse has a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and, if so, what kind.

  • Your partner's infection's severity (as measured by viral load and other factors).

  • Whether you have skin breaks, infections, or other sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) that make you more prone to infection.

  • Your overall health and the environment.

How Do We Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections?

  • Obtain the Facts - Get a basic understanding of STDs by reading:

    • What are STDs, and how do these diseases spread?

    • What are your options for defense?

    • What alternative therapies are available?

  • Take Command - Now that you know the facts, you may take steps to safeguard yourself and your sexual partners.

    • Abstinence - The best approach to avoid infection is to avoid having sex (i.e., anal, vaginal, or oral).

    • Immunization - Vaccines are safe, effective, and highly recommended to prevent hepatitis B and HPV infection. HPV vaccination is advised for preteens aged 11 or 12 (or can begin at age 9) and for everyone until 26 if not already vaccinated. Vaccination is not advised for individuals older than the age of 26. Some adults aged 27 to 45 who have not yet received the HPV vaccine may opt to do so after discussing with their physician about their risk of new HPV infections and the potential advantages of vaccination. The HPV vaccine is less effective in this age group because more people are already exposed to HPV. If you were not immunized against hepatitis B when you were younger, you should get one now.

    • Several Sexual Partners - STD risk can be reduced by reducing the number of sexual partners. However, it is still critical that you and your partner both be tested and that you disclose your test findings.

    • Monogamy - Mutual monogamy indicates that you commit to only having sexual relations with one individual who has consented to only have sexual relations with you. One of the most dependable ways to avoid STDs is to have a long, monogamous relationship with a non-exposed, uninfected partner.

    • Condoms - The male latex condom, when used correctly and consistently, is highly successful in preventing STD transmission. When having anal, vaginal, or oral intercourse, always use a condom. Synthetic non-latex condoms can be used if you are allergic to latex. However, it is worth noting that these condoms have a higher breakage rate than latex condoms. Condoms made of natural membranes are not advised for STD protection.

    • Testing - Monitoring your STD diagnosis is crucial in preventing the spread of STDs. You can take action to safeguard yourself and your partners if you know you are sick. First, ask your healthcare practitioner to test you for STDs; the only way to see if you are getting the appropriate tests is to ask.

How to Use a Condom Correctly to Avoid STDs?

It is critical to follow guidelines when using condoms and other barrier techniques. Condoms are more effective when used correctly. When using condoms, take the following precautions:

  • Examine the date of expiration.

  • Check for an air bubble on the packaging, which indicates that it has not been ruptured.

  • Slip the condom on the right way.

  • Always give space at the tip of the condom when using external condoms, and unfold the membrane onto the penis or sex toy after applying it.

  • When using latex condoms, use a condom-safe lubricant and avoid oil-based lubricants.

  • After sex, keep your grip on the condom so it does not slip.

  • Properly dispose of the condom.

  • A condom should never be reused.

Conclusion:

There are several strategies to lower your risk of contracting an STI. First, understand your sexual partners since the more relations you or your companions have, the greater your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Use a condom made of latex or polyurethane. Recognize that certain sex activities raise the risk, and get vaccinations. Many STDs are simple to diagnose and treat. If you or your spouse is diagnosed, you must both take treatment simultaneously to avoid re-infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Are Six Ways to Reduce the Risk of STIs?

The six ways to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections are:
 - Get the facts and knowledge about various sexually transmitted diseases and their spread. Awareness always prevents infections.
 - Abstinence or avoid having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who may be at risk of giving STIs.
 - Immunization and vaccination are effective methods of preventing STIs.
 - Practicing monogamy and not having sex with multiple partners.
 - Using protective measures like condoms while engaging in sexual intercourse.
 - Getting tested to monitor STIs will prevent the further spread of infection.

2.

What Is the Only 100 % Effective Way to Prevent an STI?

The absolute 100 % effective way of preventing the contraction of sexually transmitted infection is not to have sexual intercourse in any form; vaginal, anal, or oral. Any other prevention method, like using condoms or getting vaccinated, is also helpful but is not 100 % effective. There is always a small risk of getting the infection.

3.

Why Is STI Prevention Important?

Sexually transmitted infections can lead to serious, potentially harmful, and sometimes irreversible health issues. In addition, these complications can cause reproductive problems and several congenital disabilities in children.

4.

What Is the Most Effective Way to Prevent Pregnancy, STIs, and STDs?

The most effective way of avoiding pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and sexually transmitted diseases are not to be involved in sexual activity in any form. Therefore, not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex entirely minimizes the chances of contracting an STI or getting pregnant. Moreover, using condoms correctly is the second most effective method of preventing pregnancy, STIs, and STDs.

5.

Can You Get an STI From a Toilet Seat?

It is improbable to contract sexually transmitted infections from toilet seats. Therefore, contracting an STI through a shared toilet seat is rare, even though it is theoretically possible for some STIs to spread this way.

6.

What Is the Most Common STI?

 
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most commonly contracted sexually transmitted infection. It is the most prevalent STI in the United States of America. This STI can spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex and skin-to-skin contact.

7.

How Do You Catch STIs?

Numerous ways sexually transmitted infections can spread. Depending on the disease, they can spread through bodily fluids like blood, saliva, sperm, vaginal fluids, or personal contact. Most frequently, this happens during sexual contact.  Moreover, STIs can spread through breast milk in pregnant women.

8.

How Long Does STI Take to Show?

Most sexually transmitted infections start showing symptoms after two to three weeks. However, in particular infections, the symptoms may show earlier. In rare cases, the infection may remain asymptomatic for a long time.

9.

Can You Get an STI Without Cheating?

Certain sexually transmitted infections spread exclusively through sexual intercourse. These infections include gonorrhea, syphilis, and genital warts. However, other sexually transmitted infections can be contracted through other modes besides sexual intercourse. Therefore, it is possible to contract sexually transmitted infections without cheating on your partner.

10.

Does STI Go Away?

Certain sexually transmitted infections can subside on their own, but it is also possible for these infections to persist for several weeks and months and cause serious health complications. Therefore, getting tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections is essential if there are doubts or symptoms.

11.

Which Medicine Is Best for STIs?

Broad-spectrum antibiotics like Azithromycin, Doxycyclin, Cefixime, Penicillin, etc., are extremely useful in curing sexually transmitted infections. Immunization is also an effective way of preventing sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

12.

Which STI Cannot Be Cured?

Most sexually transmitted infections and diseases are curable when tested and treated effectively at the right time. However, certain sexually transmitted infections are still incurable. These infections include; human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV/AIDS), hepatitis B infections, herpes simplex virus infection, and human papillomavirus infection.
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Dr. Raveendran S R
Dr. Raveendran S R

Sexology

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